The Legislative Council’s second last private members’ business day of 2024 saw two bills introduced, related to the legalisation of cannabis and the accountability of Racing NSW, and one passed related to pecuniary interest declarations for local government councillors. The House also debated a number of general motions and agreed to two orders for papers. Read on for more…

INTRODUCED: CANNABIS LEGALISATION (PLEBISCITE) BILL 2024

The Cannabis Legalisation (Plebiscite) Bill 2024 was introduced in the Legislative Council by the Hon John Ruddick (Libertarian Party) on Wednesday. This bill seeks to provide for the conduct of a plebiscite about the legalisation of the use, possession and sale of cannabis.

In his second reading speech, Mr Ruddick explained that this bill seeks to establish a plebiscite to gauge public opinion on the legalisation of cannabis for adults 18 and older in NSW. The plebiscite would be held on the day of the next general election, with the proposed question being “Should the NSW Government legalise the use, possession and sale of cannabis by adults 18 years and older, subject to regulation and taxation?” Provisions of the bill include guidelines for conducting the plebiscite and publishing case documents for both “Yes” and “No” arguments. Read more about the bill in Mr Ruddick’s second reading speech.

Following the bill’s introduction, debate was adjourned for five calendar days, according to standing order.

INTRODUCED: THOROUGHBRED RACING AMENDMENT (RACING NSW ACCOUNTABILITY) BILL 2024

Also on Wednesday, the Thoroughbred Racing Amendment (Racing NSW Accountability) Bill 2024 was introduced by the Hon Mark Latham (Independent). This bill seeks to amend the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 to make Racing NSW accountable to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the NSW Auditor General. It would also confirm the powers of the Legislative Council to call for papers held by Racing NSW and for Racing NSW representatives to appear before Budget Estimates.

The bill, as explained by Mr Latham in his second reading speech, seeks to enhance Racing NSW’s accountability by placing it under Parliamentary oversight, making it subject to audits by the Auditor-General and inquiries by the ICAC. Racing NSW would operate independently but must comply with Ministerial direction specifically for Parliamentary accountability, and its financial reports will be audited by the Auditor-General, establishing the Racing NSW Chief Executive as its accountable authority. The bill would grant ICAC the authority to investigate and inquire into any allegations of corruption involving Racing NSW, expanding accountability measures within the organisation. Read more about the bill in Mr Latham’s second reading speech, and continued here.

Following the bill’s introduction, debate was adjourned for five calendar days, according to standing order.

PASSED: LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (PECUNIARY INTERESTS) BILL 2024

The Local Government Amendment (Pecuniary Interests) Bill 2024 passed the Legislative Council on Wednesday. This private members’ bill, previously introduced by the Hon Tania Mihailuk (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation) will amend the Local Government Act 1993 requiring councillors to disclose all pecuniary interests, including those held outside NSW. Read more about the bill in our previous blog.

Contributions to the previously adjourned second reading debate were made by member of The Greens and the Opposition. Read the full debate in the Hansard transcript.

With the second reading agreed to on the voices, he House resolved into committee of the whole to consider two amendments moved by Ms Mihailuk (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation). These sought to ensure that changes to pecuniary interest disclosures are implemented as intended through the use of model codes of conduct across NSW. These amendments were agreed to on the voices.

Read the full committee of the whole proceedings in the Hansard record.

With the third reading agreed to on the voices, the bill as amended was sent on to the Legislative Assembly for concurrence.

GENERAL MOTIONS

The following motions were debated in the House over the course of the day:

Topic of motionMoved byAgreed to?
Electrical Trades Union industrial actionThe Hon Damien Tudehope (Liberal)Negatived on division (Ayes:/Noes: 21)
Climate emergencyMs Sue Higginson (The Greens)Agreed to, as amended, on division (Ayes: 28/Noes:9)
Remembrance Day 2024The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones (Liberal)Agreed to
National Recycling Week 2024The Hon Dr Sarah Kaine (Labor)Agreed to, as amended
ADHD Awareness Month 2024The Hon Taylor Martin (Independent)Agreed to
Farm fire fighting vehiclesThe Hon Scott Barrett (Nationals)Agreed to, as amended
Native forest logging and the coastal emuThe Hon Jeremy Buckingham (Legalise Cannabis Party)Negatived on division
Electrical Trades Union and Rail Tram and Bus Union Industrial ActionThe Hon Natalie Ward (Liberal)Negatived on division (Ayes: 12/Noes: 19)

In addition to the above motions debated in the chamber, the following motions were agreed to without debate, during the morning’s formal business:

ORDERS FOR PAPERS

RequestMoved byAgreed to?Due date
Customer sentiment surveys and Department of Customer Service customer insightsThe Hon Natalie Ward (Liberal)Agreed to4 December 2024  
Early education and care sectorMs Abigail Boyd (The Greens)Agreed to, on division (Ayes: 20/Noes: 12)11 December 2024

IN COMMITTEES

The following committee reports were tabled in the House on Wednesday:

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